Novato boy arrested in DUI crash that injured six teens

A 17-year-old Novato boy was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving Tuesday after crashing a car with five teenage passengers, including a girl who suffered a broken jaw and dislodged teeth, police said.

The crash occurred at about 12:30 a.m. on Sutro Avenue at Vineyard Road in Novato, where a Mitsubishi Endeavor was driven through the T-intersection at about 60 to 80 mph, the California Highway Patrol reported.

The vehicle went off the road and hit a fire hydrant, a tree and a ditch, injuring all six people in the car, said CHP Officer Eric Hohmeister. The occupants — three girls and three boys, all 17 — climbed out of the vehicle themselves.

The girl, who suffered a broken jaw and a boy, who had a head wound, were taken to Novato Community Hospital for treatment.

Another girl reported hip pain, while the other occupants escaped with minor cuts and scrapes.

One of the girls had been riding, without a seat belt, on the laps of the three teens in the back seat. The other teens wore safety restraints, Hohmeister said.

The driver was arrested on suspicion of DUI with injuries and reckless driving causing injury. Police also determined that he has smoked marijuana just prior to driving, Hohmeister said.

The suspect's name was not released because he is under 18.

Deputy District Attorney Ron Ravani said he is awaiting police reports and will review the case Wednesday for potential criminal charges. Ravani said the boy was still at Juvenile Hall on Tuesday afternoon and that he knew of no plans to release him to parents while charges are being considered.